Why Tesla’s Model X electric SUV is important

Tesla’s unveiling of the Model X, an SUV-minivan electric car, this week signals to the world that the electric car can truly go mainstream despite the current difficulties in the EV market. In short, a minivan — the world’s least cool car — just got hip, green, and sporty.

Tesla decked out the car with innovative design features that could attract the soccer-mom crowd. That includes the so-called falcon-wing doors that open vertically and enable passengers to stand up in the car when packing in items like kids and groceries.

In addition Tesla is also telling the world that it’s bloomed into a full-fledged automaker that has a line of cars for all demographics, not just an expensive luxury car (the Roadster) for the One Percent.